### History of the Division between North and South: A Detailed Examination

#### Introduction
The division between North and South, specifically in the context of the United States, is a pivotal chapter in American history. This separation, most notably recognized by the breakout of the American Civil War, formally began in 1862. The conflict between the Northern states (often referred to as the Union) and the Southern states (commonly known as the Confederacy) was largely rooted in profound economic, social, and political differences.

#### Antebellum Period
Prior to the formal division in 1862, the United States was marked by increasing tensions and ideological disparities between the North and the South. The North, characterized by a more industrialized economy, favored a protectionist approach to trade and was more progressive in its social policies towards issues like slavery. Conversely, the South remained predominantly agrarian with a heavy reliance on slave labor, which was integral to its economy and social structure.

#### Key Legislative Acts and Compromises
Throughout the early 19th century, several legislative acts and compromises attempted to address the growing divide. The Missouri Compromise (1820), the Compromise of 1850, and the Kansas-Nebraska Act (1854) were all significant but ultimately temporary solutions to the discord between slaveholding and non-slaveholding states.

#### The Election of 1860
The election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860 was a critical juncture. Lincoln, a member of the anti-slavery Republican Party, was perceived as a direct threat to the way of life in the South. His election resulted in a cascading series of events that led to the secession of eleven Southern states from the Union, forming the Confederate States of America.

#### The Formal Separation: 1862
The formal division between the North and the South was solidified in 1862 during the Civil War. This year marked significant escalations in the conflict, with major battles such as the Battle of Shiloh and the Battle of Antietam. The harsh realities of these battles exemplified the deep ideological and physical divisions between the two sides.

#### Economic and Social Impacts
The war had profound economic impacts. The Union, with its larger industrial base and more robust infrastructure, had an advantage over the agrarian South, which suffered blockades and shortages. Socially, the war laid the groundwork for significant shifts in American society, including the Abolition of Slavery, famously enacted through the Emancipation Proclamation issued by Lincoln in 1862 and later solidified by the 13th Amendment in 1865.

#### Reconstruction and Beyond
The end of the Civil War in 1865 led to the Reconstruction era, during which the Southern states were gradually reintegrated into the Union. This period was marked by significant political, social, and economic upheaval. The long-term effects of the division were profound, influencing U.S. politics, society, and culture for generations.

#### Conclusion
The division of the United States into North and South in 1862 during the Civil War marked one of the most consequential periods in American history. Stemming from deep-rooted economic disparities and ideological differences, particularly regarding slavery, this division set the stage for a conflict that would shape the future of the nation. The legacy of this division continues to influence the United States in various aspects, underscoring the complexities of reconciliation and unity in the face of profound disagreement.